4 Best Restaurants in Busan, South Korea

Looming on the far north end of the beach, this complex is dedicated to the glory of seafood prepared in its freshest form. The first floor is a cavalcade of tanks manned by strong women who will net the sea creatures you desire and dispatch them on the spot; you're then sent to a restaurant upstairs, where everything is served sliced up on a table, along with classic Korean side dishes and maeuntang, a peppery soup made from the bones and heads.

It's impossible for any seafood lover to visit the Jagalchi fish market and not indulge in a freshly caught meal; the OASE Seafood Buffet is a family friendly and easily accessible place to start. Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the market building, the seafood stalls on the floors below are culled daily in order to create about 100 dishes; choose from Japanese sushi and sashimi, western-style dishes like pizza and pasta, or more traditional Korean fare. The harbor views are lovely but only for a few lucky tables; it's possible to call ahead and ask to reserve one. The restaurant closes at 9pm, so this is not the spot for late-night dining.

The Centum branch of this popular chain just may be the nicest in town. The Party manages to elevate the notion of the buffet by guaranteeing a wide range of delectable, freshly prepared dishes with a dash of class. The food runs the gamut from Korean favorites, Chinese, sushi and sashimi, to Western standards such as pizza, pasta, and grilled-on-the-spot steak.

The Seomyeon branch of this popular beef galbi (rib meat) barbecue chain is both elegant and immaculate, complete with a small stream running through the building. The restaurant specializes in fresh cuts of imported beef (American and Australian), making it slightly easier on the wallet than the places that only serve Korean hanwoo.